When it's raining or snowing outside and the sun is already hiding at three in the afternoon, a radiator seems like your best friend. Warmth, proximity, and – let's be honest – a convenient solution for drying laundry on a radiator. No waiting, no extra electricity consumption. Within a few hours, everything is dry and ready for the next use.
But this everyday winter habit – drying laundry on a radiator – hides a hidden truth. unexpected threat, which we don't see until it's too late. Increased humidity, mold development and dangerous spores in the air These are not stories to scare children. They are a reality confirmed by experts – and which can already affect your health today, if you are one of those who dry your laundry on a radiator.
Why does drying laundry on a radiator create perfect conditions for mold to grow?
When you spread wet laundry on a radiator, you do so with the intention of drying it faster. Logical. But every piece of fabric contains between 1.5 and 2 liters of water, which evaporates directly into the air during drying. Although this process is not visible to the naked eye, the humidity it creates is extremely high – especially in small, confined spaces without proper ventilation. Experts warn that it can humidity in the room increases up to 30 %And this isn't just a number – it's a clinical condition for developing indoor mold.
Most often, fungus develops in such conditions. Aspergillus fumigatus, which is among the most common molds in households around the world. The problem? This fungus releases mold in a humid, warm environment. microscopic spores, which are then inhaled. In healthy people, they may not cause serious problems, but in those with weakened immune systems, asthmatics, chronically ill people, or the elderly, these spores can trigger serious lung infections, which medicine refers to as aspergillosis.
It is a condition that starts as respiratory irritation, a dry cough or a feeling of pressure in the chest – but can develop into chronic infection or even an invasive form of the disease, which affects the lungs and other organs. In the most severe cases, it can be – life-threatening.
Why is the radiator actually causing you problems?
A radiator, although designed to heat a room, is not designed to dry clothes. When you hang wet clothes over it, you block the circulation of warm air, while at the same time converting the moisture from the laundry into invisible steam, which accumulates on walls, windows, behind furniture – where the air flow is the worst. This quickly creates conditions for hidden mold, which is often only discovered when it starts to smell or when it is noticed behind curtains, in corners, on curtains or even along the edges of carpets.
In addition to health risks, mold also causes long-term damage your home – from peeling paint, dark stains, damage to plaster, to permanent damage to wooden furniture. And what's worse – you often deal with the consequences without even knowing what's causing them.
What it is so what is the best practice for drying laundry in winter?
Experts recommend several options, depending on your space and equipment. If you have a dryer, use it – modern models consume less energy, than you think, and allow for quick and safe drying without increasing humidity. If you don't have one, dry your laundry on a rack, but in a well-ventilated area – this means regularly opening windows, creating drafts and using dehumidifiers, which draw excess moisture from the room.
Avoid drying laundry in bedrooms or living rooms, where you spend the most time. If you really have no other choice, make sure the room is dry after drying. Ventilate thoroughly, even if it means a few minutes of cold air – your respiratory health will thank you.
Warm today, but dangerous tomorrow
Quick dryingIt may be convenient, but the consequences can be long-term. Don't underestimate the impact of moisture on your health and your home. We can also dry clothes differently - smarter, healthier, and with a little extra caution.
The radiator should remain what it is – a warm companion in winter, not a breeding ground for fungus and your makeshift dryer. The next time you're tempted to spread your towels over the radiator, think: Do you really want to breathe what you just hung?
